CV

How to Write a CV That Gets You Noticed: A Complete Guide

In today’s competitive and dynamic job market, your CV is not just a formality-it is your first impression. A well-crafted CV can open doors and create opportunities. 

What Is a CV?

A CV is a document that outlines your education, skills, work experience, and accomplishments and can be used across academic, research, or international job applications.

Why a Good CV Matters

Hiring managers often spend less than 10 seconds scanning a CV. If yours doesn’t make an impact fast, it could end up in the rejection pile—regardless of how qualified you are. A strong CV shows not just what you’ve done, but how well you can communicate your value.

How to Write a Strong CV

1. Start with a Clear Format

Use a clean, professional layout. Stick to a readable font (e.g., Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) and keep the formatting consistent.

Essential Sections:

·         Contact Information

·         Personal Statement or Career Objective

·         Work Experience

·         Education

·         Skills

·         Certifications / Awards / Publications (if applicable)

·         References [ In the interest of data protection, omit the references until you are invited for an interview or if the application guidelines state otherwise]

2. Craft a Compelling Personal Statement

This is a 2–3 sentence summary at the top of your CV. It should highlight your key skills, experience, and career goals.

Example:
"Results-driven marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in digital strategy, brand development, and campaign management. Proven track record of increasing engagement and ROI through data-driven decisions."

3. Tailor Your CV to the Job

Customize your CV for each role. Use keywords from the job description and emphasize experience that aligns with the position.

4. Use Action Words & Achievements

Don’t just list duties. Use action verbs like led, developed, increased, solved, and include measurable results.

Instead of:

• Responsible for managing social media accounts
    Try:
• Managed social media campaigns that increased engagement by 35% over six months.

5. Keep It Concise

Unless you're applying for academic or research roles, your CV should typically be 1-3 pages long.

6. Proofread & Edit

Spelling and grammar mistakes can cost you an interview. Use tools like Grammarly or ask someone else to review your CV. If you choose to use ChatGPT to help you craft your CV, remember to read, and certify that it is a true representation of you.

Bonus Tips:

• Save your CV as a PDF (unless specified otherwise).
• Use a professional file name: e.g., John Doe CV
• Don’t lie or exaggerate—background checks are real.

Final Thoughts

Your CV is more than just a summary of your experience—it’s your personal marketing tool. Take the time to polish it, tailor it, and make it reflect your best self. A great CV won’t guarantee a job, but it will get your foot in the door.

Need Help with Your CV?
If you're unsure where to start or want professional feedback, consider visiting the Career Development Services Offices at The Student Centre Building on 3rd Floor or send your CV to careerservices@strathmore.edu for review and further assistance. 

Hey sometimes, a fresh set of eyes can make all the difference.